Mom gives birth in Kansas hospital elevator

[February 23, 2011]  LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) -- A Kansas newborn could be well equipped to face the ups and downs of life: She was born in a hospital elevator.

Alyssa Lynn Leming arrived Friday as her parents rushed through the Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, some 50 miles west of Kansas City.

Crystal Leming says it took just an hour from the onset of severe contractions to the birth of the 5-pound, 11-ounce girl, whom they have nicknamed Ellee for her unusual arrival. Leming told The Lawrence Journal-World that she and her husband, Patrick, just couldn't reach the delivery room in time. When the elevator door opened, Leming says she asked the assembled staff, "Can somebody please catch her head?" The new mom says her baby is healthy and "apparently already has a flair for the dramatic." ___ Information from: Lawrence Journal-World, http://www.ljworld.com/ [Associated Press] Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.